Knowing what type of fire you are facing is crucial to tackling the fire effectively and safely. This is because ‘any extinguisher will do’ is a common misconception, and using the wrong extinguisher can result in a small fire transforming into a large one in a matter of seconds.
This is especially true of Class C fires, which involve the burning of flammable gases.
Because Class C fires can be very dangerous and highly explosive, choosing the wrong extinguisher will cause the fire to rapidly spread. Which, of course, increases the risk to you and those around you.
What Type of Fuel is Involved in a Class C Fire?
A Class C fire is fuelled by flammable gases. While the list of flammable gases is long, we have provided below some common ones you’re more likely to encounter:
- Butane and propane in gas canisters, which you’d expect to find in equipment for certain building trades or in gas camping stoves and gas barbeques.
- Natural gas or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) used to heat your home and cook your food.
- Hydrogen used in industrial processes such as refining petroleum or producing fertilisers.
Class A fires can occur when a leak is present and has come into contact with some sort of ignition, as well as when equipment is damaged and not properly maintained, installed or used. As mentioned before, they can be extremely dangerous.
Preventing a Class C Fire
If you use gas canisters, for whatever purpose, make sure nothing is damaged and there are no signs of rust or dents. To check for leaks, use soapy water. You can avoid accidental ignition by ensuring no flames, sparks, or burning embers come anywhere close to the equipment. But do not store gas canisters in bulk, to prevent any accident from being large-scale and disastrous.
With gas appliances at home, so long as you’re always using professionals to carry out work, you should be fine. But if you ever smell gas, switch off all appliances immediately and get them checked by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
How do I Extinguish a Class C Fire
The first thing you should do, if it’s safe and possible, is turn off the supply of gas.
Next, you should reach for the only extinguisher which is safe to use on a Class C fire – which is a dry powder fire extinguisher. It works by cooling the flames until there is no longer enough heat to keep them burning. Be careful when extinguishing a Class C fire, as it will burn intensely. If you’re thinking of fighting it yourself, make sure you put enough distance between you and the flames.
Remember, using any other type of extinguisher will simply spread the fuel and flames. All that being said, the best advice is to call the fire brigade in this situation, as these fires are very difficult to tackle.
What Colour Code is Displayed on a Class C Extinguisher?
The Class C fire extinguisher colour code is blue. The colour code is displayed in a band at the top of the fire extinguisher, as can be seen in the picture below.
It cannot be stressed enough, a dry powder fire extinguisher is the only extinguisher suitable for putting out flammable gas fires. This information should be shared with and hammered home to everyone working with or close to flammable gases, so that they are prepared in the eventuality of an emergency.
Practice Fire Safety
You are now aware of what to look out for in the event of a Class C fire involving volatile gases. It pays to do your research and be adequately prepared should a fire occur. And, as emphasised earlier, it is also worthwhile having the right fire extinguisher close by to prevent any potential fire risks.
